The sea creatures were discovered in Bolton by a member of the public who spotted a crab on their driveway after it set off their Ring doorbell camera. The first crab was taken to Bolton Vets for Pets, where staff were puzzled by its presence so far from the coast. The team set up a temporary "Crab Ward" and named the crabs Sandra and Malcolm. The crabs were later released the same day by one of the practice’s registered veterinary nurses at New Ferry Shore, following professional recommendations. The vets don't know how the crabs ended up in Bolton, although one had cobwebs on its shell, suggesting it may have been hiding nearby before being discovered.